Jenny's Sewing Centre, Angaston, SA, Australia

Our next stop as we wandered around the Barossa was Jenny's Sewing Centre in Angaston itself.  Check out the shop's website for all contact and address information - http://www.jennyssewingcentre.websyte.com.au/ .

My visit to this store was very much about don't judge a book by its cover.  I say that because as I walked into the store I was initially struck about how cramp it was.  What I mean by that is, the store was small and had a lot of fabric crammed into that space.  On top of that I was disappointed to see it was primarily dress making fabric.  Now I could have left but if I'd done that I wouldn't have discovered quilter's paradise......

Fortunately, the owner of the store directed me downstairs to where the quilting fabric was.  So downstairs I went with my partner and girlfriend in tow and was I surprised.  It was like walking into a different world.  It must have hit my partner as well as he turned to me and said we'd walked into the "batting cave".  Not a bad quip from someone who isn't exactly into quilting.  All I can say is the selection of fabric was wonderful.  There was an excellent range of all fabric covering the gambit of traditionals through to novelties. 

What hit me was discovering yet again fabrics that I've had on my hard to find list starting with a couple of Alma Lynne prints - I love her pet pals range and so do my friends and family judging by the amount times I get asked to make something up with them.  If you're not sure what Alma Lynne's design have a look at my quilt on the front page of my blog at "The Dog Lady".  And the other fabric range that I found that blew me away was Benartex Victoria range.  This fabric range has been out of print (OOP) for ages and of course yours truly is great at buying fabric that is hard to find.

I wish I had had more time to look around as there was so much fabric to look through however with people in tow I had to finish up quickly.  So if you get a chance to visit Angaston in the Barossa make sure you allow a little bit of time to work through all the fabric.

Now one warning for those of you who may have some mobility issues.  The stairs down to the "batting cave"  are a bit steep and a little narrow and if you're very tall like me, watch your head.  However, don't let this stop you as I'm positive visiting this shop will ensure you leave with a few purchases and a smile on your face.

Barossa Quilt & Craft Cottage, Angaston, SA, Australia

Thanks to a friend visiting recently, I've finally managed to visit some new quilting stores, this time in the lovely Barossa Region.  For those of you not familiar with this region, the Barossa is one of Australia's top wine regions and lets not forget the food as well! For more information on this goregous area, please visit, http://www.barossa.com .  You won't have any problems finding great wine or great food to taste while wondering around the area. 

Now on to the Barrosa Quilt & Craft Cottage.  For address and contact details check out the shop's online site at http://www.barossaquilt.com.au .This is the first time I've managed to visit the cottage however, I've seen the owner and her temporary shop at the Australasian Quilting Convention so I almost feel like I've visited before.  Location wise, the shop is on the road leading into Angaston and is pretty easy to see as you're driving through.  The store is housed in an old cottage, something a little different from the normal shop front.

The shop offers a reasonable variety of fabric for sale covering the gambit from novelty through to small a selection of japanese/asian prints.  I also saw a nice selection Australiana fabric - managed to find a couple of prints that I didn't have already which was nice.  In their training/lesson room, I noticed a rather large range of blenders and what seemed to be a large range of Jinny Beyer fabrics.  The lesson here is to make sure you look through the entire cottage as there was fabric tucked away in all the corners and under counter tops, etc.  In other words, wherever there was some space, you would find some fabric.

There was a small selection of patterns and books.  I also saw a good range of notions in case you want to top up and/or be ready to go with your purchases when you get home.  And on the off chance you want some wide backing, I noticed a small selection.

Overall, a pleasant visit while in the Barossa.  Stop in and visit on your trip through.  I'm sure you'll enjoy a nice chat with the owner and have a pleasant time wondering around the shop.